Wassana
Property buyers who decide to buy a home without the assistance of a buyer’s agent could be setting themselves up for some pain. Perhaps not the physical pain of removing your own appendix with a fork, but real financial pain nonetheless. What does a buyer’s agent do anyway? We thought you’d never ask. The following are a handful of good reasons to consider retaining one.
They’re Professional
If the idea of having a trained, licensed professional to help you navigate what will likely be the most expensive purchase of your life isn’t appealing, you probably don’t like Disney World either. There’s literally no downside to the arrangement. The buyer’s agent contract he or she will ask you to sign defines and describes everything they will do in your best interest. It defines the nature of the relationship up front. There will be no surprises.
Taming the Beast
Some homebuyers feel suddenly overwhelmed by the number of current listings as they begin the search for a new house. That’s not unusual. Here’s where a buyer’s agent can help. These men and women are trained to help panicked newbies assess the options, filter for most wanted features, and narrow the list down to a manageable amount before heading out to look at the ones you find most appealing. You don’t have to think of it as handholding, but that’s what it is. In a good way, of course.
The Expert
No matter how long you might have lived in an area unless you’re a taxi driver or professional burglar, you probably don’t know the area as well as a buyer’s agent. These people spend all day, every day traipsing through house after house. They’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. They know about the schools, transportation options, and how the stench blows in from the hog farm on the other side of the ridge every morning. This is the kind of under-the-radar savvy you want on your side as you sift the listings.
The Negotiator
Anyone who watches HGTV knows that there can be a huge downward gap between the initial asking price of the house and the final selling price. This is where you find out how a buyer’s agent can really do to help you out financially. He or she will be your most valuable asset in putting together an offer strategy. Proper negotiation tactics will help you get your new home at the absolute best price while at the same time not losing out to other bidders. It’s a tricky line to walk and one few home buyers can do with elegance. A buyer’s agent helps you take emotion out of the equation, which is your absolute best chance for success.
Tap Into a Hidden Network
A buyer’s agent doesn’t exist in a vacuum. You can bet that your friendly neighborhood real estate specialist also knows home inspectors, lenders, title companies, and tax and legal advisors. If you’re new to an area or just don’t run in the same professional circles, these collateral associations could turn out to be handy for present and future deals.
The Bottom Line
What is a buyer’s agent in real estate? They’re the ones who will help you get your dream home at the best price. Ultimately it comes down to a simple question. Do you want to put a skilled professional in your corner at no charge or take your chances against the pros employed by the sellers on your own? To choose not to hire an agent may not be exactly like choosing to go to war with a BB gun but it might be closer than you think. One thing is certain. The opposition will be carrying big guns and pointing them all at you. Give yourself a chance to survive and thrive in the Real Estate Wars. Retain a buyer’s agent.
